Page 90 of Race to Save Her

Katie noticed there was no patrol officer at the end of the drive. “I guess the cop is on break somewhere,” she said.

McGaven shook his head. “Then they should’ve assigned another. This investigation isn’t over and now we know you’re in more danger than we originally thought.”

“It’s okay. You’re with me today and John is here most evenings.” Katie looked at her partner. “I’m fine.”

Cisco gave a low bark.

They laughed.

“And Cisco too,” she said.

They discussed what they had seen and learned from the cabin yesterday, running theories and trying to figure out who and where the killer was. He had to be fairly local due to his seemingly close proximity to the people involved, including Katie.

Katie drove into Rockview and then down several country roads until they reached 9210 Basin Lane, which was a beautiful ranch with horses and cattle. It was serene and picturesque. There was a large ranch sign on the gate that read: “Day Ranch.”

“This is nice,” said McGaven.

Katie drove through the open gate. The skies were dark and it appeared that the clouds moving from the north carried rain. She parked the Jeep near a tree where it would continue to keep the vehicle cool for Cisco. A gentle breeze moved through the area and the temperature remained cool but comfortable.

When they got out Katie grabbed a jacket and then walked toward the barn. She could see someone moving hay bales. The detectives approached an older thin man with a bushy beard wearing a cowboy hat.

“Hello,” said McGaven.

The man looked up and studied them for a moment.

“You police? I think maybe detectives,” he said.

“Mr. Day?” said McGaven, using his friendliness instead of his intensity and tall stature to dominate.

“Yes.”

“We’re Detectives McGaven and Scott from the Pine Valley Sheriff’s Department,” he said.

“A little bit out of your jurisdiction.”

“Just a little bit. We’re working a case that has taken us to Rockview. Would it be possible to speak with your son?”

“About?”

“We’re just following up on the shooting incident at the Bates house.”

“I see. You’re not looking to arrest my boy?”

“No, Mr. Day,” said Katie. “We want to ask some follow-up questions.”

He stepped closer to the detectives. “Why is that?”

“Because we were there when the bullets were flying,” she said matter-of-fact.

“Oh,” he said and looked down. “I’m sorry about that.”

“We understand what went on, but we just have a few questions to ask that might help with one of our investigations,” said McGaven.

“Of course,” said Mr. Day. “He’s back in the barn with the horses cleaning out the stalls.”

“Thank you,” said Katie.

The detectives followed his directions and walked through the large barn, which was filled with beautiful horses. They could hear someone working at the end and moved toward them.